here goes: the spring of 2001 I bought my first of 8 real GNXs. A one owner totally 100% stock with 179,000 miles on it. Owner drove it to and from work on the interstate. Never replaced the power antenna and it still worked as did all the factory gauges. Drivers seat and steering wheel had major wear issues otherwise car was all there with 100% original paint.
He drove it as a regular car. Never smoked in. He bought a new Lxus and the dealer was not interested in his GNX at any price. I bought the car sight unseen for ten grand.
The day trailered it home I told two friends that had turbo cars about it offering it to them for $13,500. Both had to think about it because of the miles on the car.
This car in Corvette terms would qualify as a Survivor.
I sold the car within 5 days and the owner drove it back to his home in Tennessee. I got $13,900 for it.
My guess is this car probably holds several records atleast in 2001. Highest mileage for a stock one that was all original and sold for under 14 grand. Looking back yah I wish it hadn't sold but when you are in the business that is how the system works.
Next point:
Put any 3 or 4 real GNXs side by side maybe 20 or 30 dash numbers apart and the louvers may be alittle off side to side.
If you ever remove any of the flares you would be in shock at how butchered the fender metal is and how much dirt and grime has accumulated in that area no matter how careful you are.
My friend by a quirk of luck purchased from a western, PA Buick dealer GNX 547 not realizing at the time that was the last one built. Not only did he not realize it but neither did Buick which attempted for months to buy it back all to no avail.
Does seem strange that a weird number like 547 was built when initially the plan was for 500 out the door.
Another quirk is replacing the power antenna. Pete Serio my good friend known in turbo circles as the original window rattle guy discovered by accident that unlike the other turbo regals you can snake the busted antenna out of the fender without undoing the fender.
It takes a small hand but if you remove the fender louver you can fish the antenna forward (battery has to be removed) and out of the car and fish the new antenna in. Because of the sharp fender edges it is tricky and although profanity does not help this project make cause you to use profanity. Pete has done this for me on a GNX I bought in Ohio.
Although it may sound like I am picking on the GNX, Buick and ASC really hit the home run with the project. In 1987 the Corvette had nothing to compete with it. No 1987 Corvette I am aware of will ever approach the value of a GNX.
Perhaps one of the most famous GNXs that I am aware of is famous because of what has happened to the car. Today it is known as the candy GNX. Has to do with some pretty energetic rodents with a lot of time on their hands and a few candy vending trucks stored with a real 600 mile GNX.
tis it for my stories
kirbanpeformance.com
denniskirban@yahoo.com
past owner of 8 real GNXs
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